We are recruiting qualified bank workers for our residential children’s home in Orpington, Kent. At Five Rivers Child Care, we provide caring, therapeutic homes for children and young people aged 7–18 who have experienced trauma, loss, or instability. Our residential teams help children feel safe, valued, and supported so they can begin to rebuild their lives. we provide integrated support through residential care, education, and clinical services, and our homes attachment and trauma-informed care model.
This is an ideal opportunity for experienced and qualified residential childcare professionals who want the flexibility of bank work while continuing to make a positive difference. Bank and sessional roles at Five Rivers Child Care are described as flexible, zero-hour opportunities that support homes when additional cover is needed, such as during sickness or annual leave.
What you’ll be doing
- Providing safe, consistent, and nurturing care to children and young people in a residential setting
- Building positive relationships and acting as a dependable role model
- Supporting children with routines, activities, appointments, education, and emotional regulation
- Contributing to household tasks, record keeping, and the smooth day-to-day running of the home
- Working flexibly to provide cover across shifts, including weekends, evenings, and sleep-ins where required
- Applying your experience and qualification to deliver trauma-informed, therapeutic support
Flexible hours and sleep-ins
As a bank worker, you will work on a flexible, as-needed basis to support the home when additional cover is required. This may include day shifts, evenings, weekends, and overnight sleep-ins. Where sleep-ins are worked, these are paid at £50 per night.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for compassionate, patient, and resilient people who already have experience working with children and young people in a residential childcare setting. You will need strong written, verbal, and IT skills, a good sense of humour, and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
To apply, you should hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in Residential Child Care (or equivalent) and ideally a full driving licence. You must be aged 19 or over.
Why join Five Rivers?
At Five Rivers Child Care, our purpose is to help children recover from neglect, abuse, trauma, or family breakdown so they can flourish and fulfil their potential. We are a social enterprise with more than 35 years of experience and a strong reputation for therapeutic, child-centred care. our values are Respect, Adaptability, Integrity, Support, and Excellence, and [Five Rivers Child Care]() highlights the importance of trust-building, healthy routines, resilience, and meaningful relationships in residential roles.
We are proud to be an award-winning organisation, recognised for our commitment to developing and supporting our people.
we have been awarded Platinum Investors in People status in recognition of its culture of learning, progression, and reward.
Benefits
- Flexible bank working to fit around your availability
- £50 per sleep-in where applicable
- Ongoing training and development through our Learning & Development Team
- Meals provided when on shift
- A chance to be part of a respected, therapeutic organisation making a lasting difference
Hours
This is a bank / sessional role with flexible hours offered in line with the needs of the home and your availability.
Interested?
If you are a qualified residential childcare professional looking for flexible work where you can genuinely change lives, we would love to hear from you
Five Rivers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be subject to the appropriate safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check, paid for by us.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £13.09-£14.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 or Level 5 In Residential Child Care or Equivalent (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
